SQE Stories
The SQE is more than just an exam, it's a test of resilience, ambition, and self-belief.
Behind every candidate is a story that rarely gets told. A working parent studying late into the night. A career changer chasing a long-held dream. A first-generation student navigating it all without a roadmap.
In this series, we share stories from real people taking on the SQE. Their drives, their doubts, and what they've learnt along the way.
Read, learn and be inspired by SQE stories from candidates just like you
Annabel Field
A future trainee at a national law firm who passed SQE1 on her first go in July 2025
Published: 13 Oct 2025
Chizurum Ogedengbe
A barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who self-studied and passed SQE1 in July 2025, 1st quintile
Published: 13 Oct 2025
Lilya Nagornaya
International student and refugee advocate who passed SQE1 on their first attempt in July 2025. Studied with the College of Legal Practice.
Published: 13 Oct 2025
Matthew Bartram
A Sports Litigation Paralegal who passed SQE1 on his first attempt in Jan 2025
Published: 6 Jul 2025
Emily Hinkley
Former neuroscientist PhD making the transition to law. Passed SQE1 in Jan 2025, first time.
Published: 11 Jun 2025
Megan Hornsby
Future Trainee at an international law firm - passed SQE1 on her first attempt in Jan 2025
Published: 11 Jun 2025
Nadia Szumilo
A Final Seat Trainee at Vardags who smashed SQE1, first quintile, in 2024
Published: 11 Jun 2025
Nathaniel Cameron
Future trainee at Reed Smith who passed SQE1 in Jan 2025
Published: 11 Jun 2025
Tosin Sunday Eye
A Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who came to the UK and passed the SQE1 on his first attempt in Jan 2025
Published: 11 Jun 2025
Zayn Qureshi
A career changer who sat and passed SQE1 in Jan 2025 - first time around, 1st quintile
Published: 11 Jun 2025
Want to share your own SQE story? We'd love to feature it.
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